Finding a therapist in California can be challenging. Even in some of the biggest California cities, barriers to treatment, like concerns about cost or a lack of available providers, can make finding in-person therapy difficult. If you’re looking for mental health care in the Golden State, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp.
BetterHelp therapists have extensive experience and can help you work to overcome your unique challenges and meet your highest potential. From young adults needing help managing the effects of ADHD to seniors struggling to heal from events of the past, therapists can help adults of any age navigate the challenges in their lives and learn how to improve their mental wellness.
If you’re looking for a licensed therapist, CA has many online options available. Contact one of the providers below to schedule your first session and learn more about the benefits of online treatment.
Patrick O'Leary
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the golden state of California with 39 years of experience in the field of psychology and active practice. My background covers a very wide range of life issues and concerns including anxiety, depression, life cycle issues, parenting problems, chronic mental health problems, ADHD, addictions, psychosis, trauma and abuse, grief and loss. (I work with a very wide range of issues and concerns across the life spectrum). My personal counseling style is engaging, warm, and interactive. I don't believe a diagnosis identifies who a person is. As Mr. Rogers quoted across the last fifty years, you are "OK", just the way you are! Regarding my counseling style my approach includes and combines client centered and a cognitive behavioral approach during a session. I am not limited to these two modalities, as most counselors today use interventions that are from a multiple of modalities of therapy that are acceptable and appropriate and with researched and evidenced based practices. I will adjust our interactions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I truly look forward to working with you.
Stephen Creel
Stephen Creel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. A graduate of Pepperdine University, Stephen earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in April 2001. Since then, Stephen has worked primarily in Substance use treatment but also has extensive experience in issues of Co-dependency, Depression and Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Grief and Trauma. In his work in Substance Use Recovery, Stephen became aware that the vast majority of addiction disorders are predicated with some type of trauma. Thus, in 2019 Stephen underwent training to provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to trauma patients. This is a powerful, evidenced based therapy to help people recover from traumatic experiences. In addition to EMDR, Stephen uses a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Family Systems approach. Stephen aims to provide a safe and caring environment in which to help his clients gain freedom and relief from the difficulties they are experiencing.
Erlynn Cabarles
Hello and thank you for having enough courage and honesty to take the first big step. My name is Erlynn and I have a Master’s in Social Work, concentration in Individuals, Families and Groups from San Francisco. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California since 2015. I received a BA in Psychology, emphasis in Clinical and Developmental Psychology from Santa Cruz. I have 20 plus years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked across a continuum of care from residential, sub-acute day treatment programs, and hospitals focusing on mental health issues, probation, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, family dynamics and conflicts. I have experience working with infants/toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, people with disabilities, and the elderly. I believe that the first step of healing is self-discovery and the development of personal goals to overcome challenges. My intentions are to instill hope and inspiration and to empower you to be able to move on to a more fulfilling life. Remember that You are resilient and determined to change for the positive. My purpose is to provide a safe space and non-judgmental environment. If you’re ready, I’ll be here to support you!
Erika Torres
Hi! My name is Erika, and I am an LMFT in California. I have been licensed for 13 years and have practiced in a variety of settings. Through therapy, I hope to help you become your best self and find joy in your life. When working with individuals, I utilize a variety of clinical approaches, including Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My counseling style is empowering, supportive, and direct....with a side of humor!:) I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help! I look forward to getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals, and experiencing joy in your life. Warm regards, Erika Torres, LMFT
Dawniel Page
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Amy Stoffel
I am licensed in California with over 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse as well as motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Tammy Occhipinti
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Sydney Tu
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Daniel Vigil
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Karen Clark
I am licensed in California with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Lana Casper
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Deni Cuevas-Horita
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Jairo Lozano-Lopez
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dana McPherson
I am a clinical therapist licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and navigating through life changes. I work with a range of clients from teens to seniors and I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will "meet you where you are", tailoring our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life- whether it's through improving relationships, getting "unstuck", or resolving issues from the past- takes courage and I have a lot of respect for that. I am here to support you in the process of finding a better way to be. *Please note that my availability will be opening up in January.
Chris (Christopher) McKillop
Hi, my name is Chris McKillop and I am a licensed counselor in California, Maine and North Carolina. I currently reside in California. I have been involved in the area of mental health and developmental disabilities since 1993. I received my Masters in Counseling in 2004 from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. I have worked in community-based settings, group homes and transitional housing settings, as well as working as a school counselor for 2 years and a Juvenile Court Counselor for 6 years. I strive to promote an atmosphere of trust and acceptance where clients feel safe, supported and validated. That trust and security will facilitate challenging thoughts, assumptions and beliefs that can be self-defeating and counterproductive to growth and having a life worth living. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of therapy, as it is the foundation upon which all other specific skills and techniques are based. Without that open and trusting relationship, the specific skills and techniques will be far less effective. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focus, with elements of Behavioral Activation, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I strive to be adaptive and flexible in approach, working with the client’s strengths to best address the client’s concerns.
How can therapists in California support you?
Therapists in California can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 32,349,851 people live in California, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in California may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why are many residents in the state of California working with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county in California, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
Mental health counselors in California support clients with varying issues, which can include:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some commonly asked questions can be found below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
How do I know if I should get a therapist?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions in California can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy safe?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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